About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is navigating a major life transition, such as moving to a new city or adjusting to a blended family structure. It offers a relatable lens for kids who feel like outsiders or who are struggling to find their voice in a new environment. The story follows Suze Simon, a sixteen year old girl who moves to California and must balance the typical pressures of high school with her secret life as a mediator, someone who helps ghosts finish their business on Earth. Through Suze's sharp, humorous perspective, the book explores themes of justice, bravery, and personal integrity. It is an ideal choice for readers aged twelve and up who enjoy fast paced mysteries with a touch of the supernatural. Parents will appreciate how the protagonist manages complex emotions and moral dilemmas while maintaining a strong sense of self, even when she feels like she doesn't fit in.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
DISTRESS: The book contains scenes of ghostly hauntings that include a screaming spirit and descriptions of how characters died, which might be intense for younger or more sensitive readers. There is a climax involving physical peril where Suze is in danger of being harmed by a murderer. CONVERSATION: Parents should be prepared to discuss the concept of mortality and the idea of 'unfinished business' in a way that is age appropriate.
Ideal Reader
A twelve to fourteen year old who loves snarky, strong female protagonists and enjoys 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' style adventures where high school drama meets the paranormal.
Parent Prep
No specific previewing is required for the target age group, but be aware that the book deals with murder and the supernatural in a way that is designed for older children and teens. A parent might pick this up if their child is complaining about a move or a new step parent, or if they notice their child is drawn to darker, more atmospheric mysteries.
Age Experience
Middle schoolers will focus on the cool factor of the ghost hunting and the budding romance with Jesse, while older teens might better appreciate Suze's internal struggle with her responsibilities as a mediator and her efforts to find her place in a new household.
What Makes It Special
Meg Cabot blends her signature humor and commercial teen voice with a gritty paranormal mystery, making the supernatural elements feel grounded in everyday teenage life.
Read plot summary
Suze Simon is a sixteen year old girl who has just moved from New York to Carmel, California, following her mother's remarriage. Suze is a mediator, a person with the ability to see and interact with ghosts. While adjusting to her new stepbrothers and a new school, she discovers that the ghost of a handsome nineteenth century man named Jesse lives in her bedroom. The plot intensifies when a vengeful ghost begins haunting Suze, leading her to uncover a murder and a conspiracy involving her new classmates. Suze must use her powers and her wits to bring the killer to justice and help the restless spirit move on.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Suze calls herself a mediator. How does she handle the responsibility of her gift? Do you think she sees it as a burden or a strength?
2
Suze's relationship with her three new stepbrothers starts off rocky. How does their dynamic change by the end of the book?
3
Why does Suze feel like she has to keep her identity as a mediator a secret from her mom? What would happen if she told her?
4
The ghost Jesse lives in Suze's room but has a very different outlook on life and death than she does. How do their different backgrounds affect how they see the world?
5
In the final confrontation, Suze has to make a choice about how to handle the person responsible for the murder. Do you agree with the choice she made?
